TOTGS Chiesa Review

It seems like only yesterday that we sat down to review 83 NIF Chiesa at the outset of FIFA 22.  The game was less laggy, keepers were inhuman, finesse shots tickled the twine, leaks were less leaky and overall the game felt like it was only moving in a positive direction.  While the review of Chiesa was poor overall… I do think it was a matter of unfulfilled expectation then true subpar performance.  Chiesa was a weapon in FIFA 21 and with the early power curve, I was certain he would maintain that status during the early days of FIFA 22.  And while the early review struggled… This review was the polar opposite as Chiesa blazed into this Weekend League, scoring early and often throughout the 15 match test run.  Maybe the most impressive part of the returns was not that Chiesa tallied 14 goals and 4 assists across the 15 matches… but that he did so primarily from the RAM position of the 4-2-3-1 throughout the weekend.  There were moments that I deployed Chiesa up top, opting to play Vinícius Júnior in the central CAM, but 90% of the time the Italian could be found out on the wing terrorizing my opponents Ferland Mendy.  Part of these solid returns was the application of the HAWK chemistry style which I felt suited Chiesa to a tee.  However, I see the debates for a DEADEYE application and how they could gain momentum… but for me, it was 81 STRENGTH and perfect 99 PACE that took priority.  Regardless of chemistry style, Chiesa was the wizard on the wing all weekend long in the following squad:   

Starting Formation:

Overall

Rating: 9/10
Pace Rating: 10/10
Dribbling Rating: 9/10
Shooting Rating: 9.5/10
Passing Rating: 8/10
Physical Rating: 8.5/10
Defending Rating: N/A

When it came to the Get Inside the Box instructions Chiesa was not messing around.  It always felt like this card was picking the perfect moments to stay wide on the wing in order to provide an outlet pass in transition… while simultaneously finding the correct times to fly inside of my opponent's wingbacks to get that first step towards goal.  The key in all of this was the fact that Chiesa had the quality to turn these fantastic runs into healthy goals and assists tally contributing to a strong Weekend League finish for the squad.   

Main Statistic - Pace

Pace Rating: 10/10

There is not a lot to say in this category beyond the obvious, this card is brilliantly fast.  The 99 ACCELERATION & 99 SPRINT SPEED are quick, responsive and there are not many defenders catching up with Chiesa when he is in full cry. While we will get more in depth about this card’s dribbling in the next category, it is worth noting that Chiesa is just as quick on the ball and makes for a handful in the open spaces down the wing.   

Main Attribute - 4 ★ 4 ★

Weak Foot: ★★★★
Skills: ★★★★
Shooting Rating: 9.5/10
Dribbling Rating: 9/10
Height: 175cm | 5’9

There is a lot to say about the double 4 STAR combo that you get with this card.  The shooting is sublime and while I wouldn’t go as far as saying Chiesa felt just as potent on his weaker left foot… it wasn’t far off.  The 90 FINISHING would of course be well boosted by a DEADEYE selection, but for me, the 99 SHOT POWER and 99 LONG SHOTS made up for any deficiencies that might have caused issues otherwise.  I am not sure exactly what causes some shooters to get more velocity in their finishes compared to others with similar statistics and attributes… but I am certainly happy that Chiesa benefits from the phenomena.  This card hits the ball with serious power and simply overpowers most keepers regardless of distance from goal.  

But as with the latest RVP review, it doesn't matter if cards can pelt them if they are never getting chances to put the skill to use.  With Chiesa I always felt he would find the right areas to finish off key attacking plays… but I also knew that he could just as easily create those chances for himself.  The 94 AGILITY & 88 BALANCE doesn’t look spectacular on paper… but the cheeky 96 DRIBBLING is sitting there waiting to be unleashed on opponent's backlines.  Mix all of the pace, dribbling, skills and the 175cm | 5’9 frame and Chiesa proves a serious handful in the attacking third.   

Value/Coins & Good vs. Bad

Value/Coins Rating: 5/5
Good vs Bad Rating: 5/5

I bought at 300k… I sold at 300k… and in the end, I couldn’t be happier with the tax loss given the dip Chiesa has taken throughout the weekend and into the week.  Currently sitting at 245k, I have seen the Italian fall to 215k a few times, but even at 250k+, you are getting serious value for this card.

While no one is picking up Chiesa as a defensive juggernaut I will say that even in the CAM position this card was dreadful defensively.  Normally I can rely on my CAMs to nick a ball or two throughout a match and contribute to counterattack opportunities… but not with Chiesa… the card has no interest in defending at all.  Again, this is fine and I accepted the annoyance when everything was so strong offensively, but others might be disappointed especially if you ask more of your widemen defensively.  However, one problem that did cause constant issues was the 91 STAMINA out in an area that demands so much running. Chiesa often needed a position change or substitution around the 70th minute, which is too bad considering how effective he can be prior to that point in a match. Next, I can hear it already, “JuSt UsE dEaDeYe,” but I already explained why I didn’t… But none of that will stop me complaining ever so slightly anyway about the 84 SHORT PASSING Chiesa produced.  It simply isn’t as sharp as other cards… but I will take my blistering pace and sneaky strong 81 STRENGTH in return.

Closing Words

Buy now… wait for a dip and buy later… wait for the bottom to fall out on this card and buy in a few weeks time… shift your team and buy as a starter… flex those coins and buy him as a super sub.  Whatever your team status, I have once again joined the Chiesa hype train and couldn’t be happier to be along for the ride.  The card is class and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this weekend’s review… the 15k tax loss?  Small sacrifices for a fun and entertaining Weekend League grind.  Hoping you are safe and well.  Cheers for reading.

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